Basilia and Jerome's Story

Adoptive parents Carl and Bobbi Jo Celli believe that open communication with birth families can be a good thing, when it is judged to be in a child's best interests. This is because they've seen the positive effect such contact has had on their daughter Basilia, age 13, and son Jerome, age 11.

For this story, we asked Basilia and Jerome for their thoughts about their adoption experiences. We started by asking about the day their adoption was finalized.

"I liked that we got to see our birth family on that day," said Jerome. Their birth family was present because Mr. and Mrs. Celli had invited them to attend the court proceedings and to support the children as they made the legal transition to their new family.

"Our birth family was very happy to be there," said Basilia.

"They were happy because they saw we were with nice people," added Jerome. Basilia said that her birth parents told her that they still love her and that she was very lucky to have two sets of parents who cared so much about her.

The early contact between both families went so well that the Cellis have made a point to continue it. Mrs. Celli regularly sends the birth family pictures of the children, as well as letters about their school and extracurricular activities. The families have also spent birthdays and holidays together.

The children really enjoy the visits. Jerome said he likes them because "it gives us all a chance to be together again." Basilia said, "I like to see my birth parents and how both sets of parents get along."

The fact that both families get along so well is a great benefit for the children. Mr. Celli said, "The birth family's support helps bring closure to the past and subtly tells the children that it's OK for them to move on and embrace their new future."

The children have begun to do just that, and are now enjoying the simple, everyday pleasures of life with their new mom and dad. "I like going to the movies and out to eat," said Jerome. "I like watching TV with them, listening to music, going places and going on vacations with them," said Basilia.

Thanks to the love and understanding of both families, Basilia and Jerome seem to have a bright and healthy future in store for them, with plenty of support from all sides.

This story was originally published March 30, 2004.